Your name: Miss Cory Coffey
age: 24
Hometown: Ojai, California
Sponsors: DC, Specialized, ODI and Utopia optics
How did you start riding BMX?
There were some younger guys in my neighborhood who rode bmx bikes, and they encouraged me to go find one … so I did and started hitting the race track with them. I raced for about 3 years and then realized that I didn’t like pedaling that much so I started going to a local indoor skatepark and that was the start of my ramp career … 7 years ago, wow!
You were the first girl to do a backflip. What made you do it, how many times did it take you and what is the process behind doing it.
Yes, I was the first woman in the world to do a backflip on a bicycle … I was 19 years old and I was spending a couple of months in Pennsylvania at Woodward Camp … A guy named Jay Rodriguez was joking around with me a day saying we were going to learn backflips that night … I said yes, of course whatever … well I guess it was more serious than I thought … so that night I started learning them at the foam pit. .. I think on the second try I managed to lower the rotation and, in a week or so, I was pulling them in the box jump. Then I unleashed it in a contest in Woodward called the CFB contest. I crashed pretty bad the first two times, but the adrenaline line was pumping and I was determined to pull it … the third time I did. I never thought it was that important … now that I think about it, it’s great to make history. It’s basically one of the easiest tricks in the book I think … all you have to do is commit to it … make sure you have enough speed, a good enough box jump, and just lean back, detect your landing and voila. to go!
What other sports do you enjoy doing then?
I really enjoy snowboarding in the winter and occasionally mt. riding my bike … I also like to play skateboards. I grew up riding a skateboard so it’s always fun.
What was it like being one of the only jockeys in a male-dominated race?
sport?
Well, when I was younger, I never realized that I was the only girl in the skatepark. As the years went by, I thought it was cool. I could keep up with the boys, and the boy-to-girl ratio was obviously in my favor. haha
Besides you, there are other cyclists who have really
made some headway in promoting sport for girls. What do you think
about the female scene as a whole?
I think it is def. growing up, which is amazing … and I see more and more events that include women’s categories, which is pretty impressive. A few years ago that was unheard of …
What female cyclists come to mind and what do you think of your
competitive opponents?
That’s one thing I don’t enjoy is competitiveness … that’s what I didn’t like about racing … I just see it as riding my bike having fun, traveling the world and meeting new people.
Is it competitive between the girls or is it more of a friendship?
I think there is def. some people who are competitive, but that comes with any sport. I know a lot of the girls are just like me and are excited to see other girls ride.
Where do you see the future of women’s BMX?
Honestly, who knows. the world has endless opportunities and if we keep pushing the limits it could be like any other sport.
Are you inspired by other athletes from other sports? If so, who?
Yes, I am always inspired by other female athletes … Aimee Mullins is a Paralympic athlete who is beyond amazing … her courage, strength and being who she is pushes me. I think free skier Sarah Burke is amazing. Lisa Whittaker on skateboard is truly amazing, along with Cara-beth Burnside on skating and snowboarding.
What else do you do besides riding BMX: hobbies, activities, travel?
I love hanging out with friends, going to the beach, walking, eating. Traveling is a wonderful thing too. I love going to new places and meeting people, experiencing different cultures / foods.
Do you have a movie star or a favorite movie?
I have some favorite movies … Vanilla Sky, Donnie Darko and the winged migration.
Who are your favorite bands / singers?
BoySetsFire, The Spill Canvas and Jose Gonzalez.
Where is your favorite place to travel and why?
Probably the coolest place I’ve ever been was Africa … I really want to go back there … so many things to do, beautiful scenery, amazing people and one of the best places in the world!
What did you want to be when you were little (besides a professional cyclist)?
I always wanted to be a housewife. I am also currently completing my bachelor’s degree in fire protection management technology at Cal State Los Angeles.
Do you have words for all the girls who are reading this?
If you want something in life, go and get it. Practice really makes perfect. Never let anything or anyone get in the way of your dreams!
Shouts and thanks?
Thanks to Dwayne Taylor for always believing in me, my friends, my family, Specialized for always giving me my bikes, all my sponsors, and my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
